Knowing a few simple tips ahead of your next car service will not only ensure it goes as smoothly as possible, but may also save you money in the long term. Although having your vehicle serviced is not a legal requirement, it is a surefire way to keep yourself and other road users safe, whilst also ensuring your car lasts for years to come. Ideally, you should have your vehicle serviced at least once per year, or every 12,000 miles.
In this blog, we share 3 tips to help you prepare for your next service.
1. Ensure Your Fluids Are Topped Up
If you’re confident doing so, it’s a good idea to check your fluid levels a few days ahead of your service. This is because your mechanic may be required to top up low levels of fluid for you, which may result in unexpected fees. Luckily, topping up them up yourself is a relatively quick and easy process, and can save you money over time. The 6 essential fluids you should keep an eye on are:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Screen wash
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid
2. Inspect Your Tyres Before The Car Service
Tyres are an essential component and safety feature of every car, and must therefore be in good condition to keep you and other drivers safe. In fact, driving with bald or damaged tyres is incredibly dangerous and against the law in the UK. Accordingly, if you go into a car service with bald or damaged tyres, your mechanic will likely be forced to change them there and then. This can result in a hefty fee! So, if you’d prefer to shop around, be sure to inspect them ahead of your service. It’s very simple to check if they’re bald. All you need to do is insert a 20p coin into the groove on each tyre to measure the tread depth. If the outer band of the coin is visible, it’s time to replace them.
3. Test The Headlights & Indicators
Another tip to prepare for your next car service is to make sure your headlights and indicators are working properly. If not, you may unexpectedly be charged for repairs and replacement bulbs. Fortunately, it’s really easy to check all your lights are functioning. Simply park up in a safe spot, turn your hazard lights on and take a walk around the vehicle to see if they are flashing. You can check each indicator individually if you prefer. Don’t forget to test your headlights and brake lights too. Ask a friend to help you if needed!
Contact Chelston Auto Electrical Today To Book Your Next Car Service
Our expert team has years of experience servicing and repairing all makes of car, so you can count on us to deliver a quality service. We always operate with honesty and integrity, ensuring our customers are charged a fair price. To find out more, or to book a service, please get in touch with us today. We also provide MOT testing, repairs and more.